The Waterpark Opens June 14
Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation team takes precautions to keep visitors and staff healthy + safe as they begin a phased reopening of The Waterpark
Carmel, Ind., (June 10, 2020) – The Waterpark in Carmel is preparing to open on Sunday, June 14 with additional safety precautions in place, presuming Hamilton County enters Stage 4 of Governor Holcomb’s Back on Track Indiana Plan on this date. The phased reopening plan for The Waterpark is based on guidance from the Center for Disease Control and the Indiana State Department of Health. Initially, from June 14 until July 3, attendance will be limited, some features will remain closed, and policies will be adjusted in an effort to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and best ensure the safety of visitors and staff.
The Waterpark will be open to daily admissions from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m., with advance entry available to current members and season pass holders beginning at 11 a.m. Daily admission will initially be limited to Carmel/Clay Township residents and first responders (with ID) until Indiana reaches Stage 5 of its Back on Track Indiana Plan.
“While we take great pride in welcoming people to The Waterpark from throughout the state, our reduced capacity and other COVID-19 related precautions have significantly limited how many people we can serve,” explained Michael Klitzing, Director of CCPR. “Unfortunately, we simply cannot operate as a regional destination until we enter Stage 5 of the state’s reopening plan and capacity limitations are eliminated.”
Additional safety measures that are being implemented during this three-week period include:
- Capacity will be limited to no more than 50 percent.
- Use of credit/debit cards is encouraged for all purchases.
- Large group sales will not be available this summer. Groups larger than six individuals will be turned away.
- Guests must enter The Waterpark through the main gate. Access to The Waterpark will not be available through the Monon Community Center.
- It is strongly advised to wear a face covering when not actively swimming or in line for a ride or attraction. Staff, except when actively guarding the pools, are required to wear face coverings.
- Inner tubes will not be available for use, requiring closure of the Lazy River. Adventure Slides will remain open for guests to use without tubes.
- Cabanas will be available to rent on a first-come, first-served basis each day. Advance cabana rentals are not available.
- Lawn chairs will be unavailable for use this season. Guests will be permitted to bring in their own seating.
- Drinking fountains are closed; water bottle refill stations will be open – bring a water bottle and fill all season at no cost.
- Concessions will be open, with social distancing parameters in place. Guests can also bring their own food and drink; however, glass and alcohol are prohibited. Coolers and bags will be checked by staff before guests are admitted.
- Half of the tables in the concession area will be removed and tables will be sanitized every hour.
- Portable hand wash stations will be available around the park.
- Dedicated staff will be focused on frequently cleaning restrooms and trash receptacles.
- At the end of each day all common contact items will be sanitized including: Slide entry and handles, Activity Pool and Kiddie Pool play features, concessions tables and seats, cabana furniture, FlowRider® boards, pool ladders, pool lift chairs, and entry gates.
Remember that if you are experiencing a cough, fever, or other symptoms of illness, as recommended by the CDC, please stay home.
To learn more about Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation’s reopening plan, The Waterpark, or to purchase a season pass (available June 14) visit carmelclayparks.com.
ABOUT CARMEL CLAY PARKS & RECREATION
Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation (CCPR) holds the Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management by the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration (AAPRA) in partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) for parks serving populations of 75,001 to 150,000. As an accredited agency, the department serves the recreation, fitness and nature needs of the community, manages and develops existing spaces and resources and creates a sustainable future for parks and recreation programs through a financially viable and environmentally conscious parks system. CCPR manages and maintains more than 500 park acres and numerous recreation facilities, including the Monon Community Center and The Waterpark. In addition, CCPR has partnered with Carmel Clay Schools to establish Extended School Enrichment (ESE), a before and after-school care program for K-6 students located at all eleven Carmel elementary schools. The Summer Camp Series is a component of ESE that offers 12 different summer camps accommodating children ages 5-15. For more information, visit carmelclayparks.com.
